The Fall Arch
When we revisited Haliburton Ontario last week to see the permanent dry stone installation that was completed there this summer at the Haliburton School of Art, the colours were brilliant. I had only seen it in the summer and was pleased to see how beautiful it looked in the fall.
Not that it was a 'fallen' arch by any means.
The entire piece, entitled 'Unity Gate' incorporates a Gothic style arch surrounded by two swirling walls built with all the stones laid vertical. While students and staff are a bit sentimental about it, the arch is not actually a segmental arch but more importantly it is definitely not a cemented arch. It's permanent. It is a carefully laid edifice of stones all fitted together cleverly utilizing the principles of mass, gravity and friction. Oh and yes, there was one other important principal, that of having fun together which is something we need to hold on to here in Canada as wallers.
Last year at this time we held our 9th annual Rocktoberfest. I guess I am feeling a bit nostalgic.
Greetings and thanks to all those who made those festivals, and indeed, the last ten years of dry stone walling across Canada so amazingly successful. Happy Thanksgiving!
